Oakdale council approves plans, funding and bidding for Tower and Gulfview park playgrounds

Oakdale’s City Council on July 14 approved plans and specifications for playground improvements at Tower Park and Gulfview Park and authorized staff to advertise the contractor bid package.

Hannah, a community development staff member, presented the design plans and said the projects are listed in the adopted 2026–2030 capital improvement plan and are funded by the park capital fund with a transfer from charitable gambling. “The action before council members this evening is to approve plans and specifications for Tower and Gulfview Park… and authorize bidding,” Hannah said.

Planned Tower Park work includes replacing playground equipment, switching surfacing from sand to engineered wood fiber, adding seating via retaining wall boulders, and installing an accessible trail from 8th Street North to the playground; ADA slope constraints required adding stairs at one location. Gulfview Park work includes replacing equipment, retaining engineered wood fiber surfacing, and adding a small concrete plaza with shaded seating.

Hannah said the city plans to advertise the bid package on July 15, open bids on Aug. 3, and return with a recommendation to award at the council meeting on Aug. 12; construction would begin after contract finalization with substantial completion targeted before the end of 2026. Councilmember motioned to adopt Resolution 2026‑44 authorizing the actions; the motion passed by voice vote with no opposition voiced.

Why it matters: the projects add accessible connections and shade and replace older equipment at two neighborhood parks; staff emphasized community engagement shaped the current designs. The resolution accepts the plans and sets the procurement timeline; staff will return with bid results and a recommendation to award.